Best time to visit · Puerto Vallarta · Mexico
The best time to visit Puerto Vallarta
Weather, crowds, prices and events for every month, so you can pick the trip that suits you.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Andy Blackledge, CC BY 2.0
Quick answer
The best time to visit Puerto Vallarta is from November to April, the dry season, with sunny days, comfortable humidity and, from about December to March, humpback whales in the bay. May is hotter but quieter. The rainy season from June to October is very humid with storms, and September has the highest hurricane risk and the lowest prices.
Key facts
- Best months
- November–April
- Shoulder season
- May and October
- Warmest month
- July (avg high 33°C (91°F))
- Coldest month
- January (avg high 28°C (82°F))
- Rainiest month
- August (~16 rainy days)
- Lowest hotel prices
- September
Seasons
Puerto Vallarta has a tropical wet-and-dry climate. From November to May it is sunny and dry with comfortable humidity, while June to October is hot and very humid, with heavy evening thunderstorms and the possibility of Pacific hurricanes, especially in September and October.
November–April
Dry season
Sunny, dry and pleasant, with cool evenings, whale watching from about December to March and peak prices.
May
Late dry season
Hot and still dry, with quieter beaches, lower prices and Vallarta Pride.
June–August
Rainy season
Hot and humid with frequent evening thunderstorms, green hills, warm sea and summer-holiday families.
September–October
Storm season
The peak of hurricane risk and humidity in September, easing in October; hotel prices are at their lowest.
Month by month
Long-term averages (rounded). Crowds and prices are relative, 1 (lowest) to 5 (highest). Daylight is sunrise to sunset on the 15th.
| Month | High | Low | Rainy days | Sea | Daylight | Crowds | Prices |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 28°C | 17°C | 1 | 25°C | 11 h | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| February | 28°C | 16°C | 1 | 24°C | 11.4 h | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| March | 28°C | 17°C | 0 | 24°C | 12 h | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| April | 29°C | 18°C | 0 | 25°C | 12.6 h | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| May | 30°C | 20°C | 0 | 26°C | 13.1 h | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| June | 32°C | 24°C | 7 | 28°C | 13.4 h | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| July | 33°C | 24°C | 15 | 29°C | 13.3 h | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| August | 33°C | 24°C | 16 | 30°C | 12.8 h | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| September | 32°C | 24°C | 16 | 30°C | 12.2 h | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| October | 32°C | 23°C | 6 | 30°C | 11.6 h | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| November | 31°C | 21°C | 1 | 28°C | 11.1 h | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| December | 29°C | 18°C | 1 | 26°C | 10.9 h | 5/5 | 5/5 |
Yearly events
Recurring dates shift from year to year; confirm with the organiser before you book.
| Month | Events |
|---|---|
| January | Humpback whale season in the bay (about December to March) |
| March | Semana Santa — Easter week fills beaches with Mexican visitors (March or April) |
| May | Vallarta Pride — week of LGBTQ+ events and a parade (usually May) |
| July | Sea turtle nesting and hatchling releases at local camps (about July to December) |
| September | Independence celebrations in the main plaza (15–16 September) |
| October | Day of the Dead altars and events (31 October to 2 November) |
| November | Festival Gourmet International — guest chefs in local restaurants (usually November) |
| December | Fiestas de la Virgen de Guadalupe — nightly processions to the church (1–12 December) |
Cheapest and quietest times
Hotel prices are usually lowest in September, and the sights are quietest in September. Many visitors avoid September.
What to pack
| Season | Pack |
|---|---|
| Dry season | Light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and high-factor sunscreen; Comfortable walking shoes |
| Late dry season | Light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and high-factor sunscreen; A compact umbrella and waterproof shoes — rain is frequent; Comfortable walking shoes |
| Rainy season | Light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and high-factor sunscreen; A compact umbrella and waterproof shoes — rain is frequent; Comfortable walking shoes |
| Storm season | Light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and high-factor sunscreen; Comfortable walking shoes |
Questions travellers ask
+What is the best month to visit Puerto Vallarta?
The best time to visit Puerto Vallarta is from November to April, the dry season, with sunny days, comfortable humidity and, from about December to March, humpback whales in the bay. May is hotter but quieter. The rainy season from June to October is very humid with storms, and September has the highest hurricane risk and the lowest prices.
+When are hotel prices lowest in Puerto Vallarta?
Usually in September. The wettest and most humid month and the peak of hurricane risk; some restaurants close for a break.
+What is the rainiest month in Puerto Vallarta?
August, with about 16 days of rain on average.
+How hot does Puerto Vallarta get?
The warmest month, July, averages highs of 33°C (91°F) and lows of 24°C (75°F).